Deputy’s report: Meth found during search of backpack

The following are excerpts from just some of the reports recently generated by the Texas County Sheriff’s Department:

• On April 23, a deputy observed a white Pontiac sedan parked at the Austin Lake Conservation Area after closing hours.

The officer made contact with a 36-year-old Mountain Grove woman who was in the car, and she gave permission for the officer to search the vehicle.

During the process, a plastic bag containing methamphetamine and a fake bullet containing meth were found. The woman was arrested and taken to the Texas County Jail and a probable cause statement was sent to the county prosecutor.

• At about 12:50 a.m. April 24, a deputy observed a woman walking northbound on the shoulder of U.S. 63 in Houston.

The officer made contact with the woman, 44, from Norwood, and she said she had an argument with her boyfriend and was on her way to Licking to stay with her brother. The officer advised her he could give her a courtesy ride to her destination, but he would first have to search through her belongings.

The woman consented to a search, and during the process, methamphetamine and drug-related items were found in a backpack she was carrying. The woman said she had stolen the backpack from her boyfriend because she needed it to put things in and she had no idea what was already in it.

She was given a courtesy ride to Licking.

• At about 10 a.m. May 1, a deputy was dispatched to Plato School regarding a report of educational neglect.

A school official told the officer a 6-year-old boy had an attendance rate under 75% and had missed 25 full days during the school year.

The deputy reported being familiar with the family and having been to their house on several occasions to discuss the same situation with the boy’s mother.

A report was sent to the county prosecutor and the county juvenile office.